Hey there! As we all hear from the news, Banksy has recently made headlines with his “Animal series” a collection of street artworks that appeared across London in August 2024. One of his artworks, which is the final piece is the Animal Series at the London Zoo, is planned to be removed very soon.
The series consists of nine different artworks that were released in a week with each piece showing animals in contact with the urban environment in the manner characteristic of Banksy. Contrary to previous paintings which can be associated with political commentary, this series is intended to be quite humorous at times, bringing joy to the imaginative existence in mundane city settings. The artworks help the viewers approach the given environment and objects creatively and playfully instead of a destructive one, proving that humans are capable of positive acts.
Banksy’s Artworks from the Animal Series
1. Goat on a Ledge in Richmond
| Medium | Stencil, Spray Paint |
| Dimensions | Varies |
| Location | Richmond |
A goat stands on a thin corner and if interpreted literally may mean that there is strength despite hardships and if interpreted metaphorically, it might be seen as a statement about the minority’s position in society. It was puzzling to many people, and as soon as this artwork was released on the Internet, people began talking about the hidden meaning behind it.
FUN FACT: Banksy once secretly installed his own artwork in major museums, including the Louvre and the Tate, without anyone noticing for days. His true identity remains one of the art world’s greatest mysteries.
2. Elephants in Chelsea
| Medium | Stencil, Spray Paint |
| Dimensions | Large wall |
| Location | Chelsea |
Two very big elephants are painted on the wall at Chelsea and they seem to be part of this Concrete Jungle. The piece blatantly juxtaposes the size of elephants to the small places in the city, it is possibly a commentary on how we live in places that are not suitable for us.
3. Monkeys on an Overpass in Brick Lane
| Medium | Sculpture |
| Dimensions | Life-size |
| Location | Brick Lane |
It is a sculpture of three monkeys hanging from structural members of an overpass. This piece of art brings into focus the actuality of the density of structures and life in a city and the pranking side of nature and the large structures of the world.
4. Howling Wolf on a Satellite Dish in Peckham
| Medium | Stencil, Spray Paint |
| Dimensions | Varies |
| Location | Peckham |
There is a fourth one of a lonely wolf, painted in stencil, howling in mid-air as if through a satellite dish. It is possible that placing this wild creature in an environment full of present-day technology could be interpreted as a desire for freedom within a society that is rapidly being consumed by the social constructs of technology and artificiality.
5. Hungry Pelicans in Walthamstow
| Medium | Stencil, Spray Paint |
| Dimensions | Varies |
| Location | Walthamstow |
Two pelicans are depicted as two unsatisfied individuals who have an eye on fish that are depicted on a sign of a fish and chip shop. Therefore this piece is humorous and turns a pun in visuals, which adds a playful twist to a rather ordinary element of urban existence.
6. Wildcat Stretching on a Billboard in Cricklewood
| Medium | Stencil, Spray Paint |
| Dimensions | Billboard size |
| Location | Cricklewood |
A black image of a wildcat is stippled against the background of the old billboard that has not been used for a long time. This gave the artwork a certain power of reactivation of forgotten locations, transforming an old sign into a theater for natural elements.
7. Piranhas in a Police Box in the City of London
| Medium | Installation |
| Dimensions | Life-size |
| Location | City of London |
Banksy disguised a conventional London police call box in a glass case, containing a colony of aggressive piranha fish. This work is almost in a rebellious form against what appears to be a structured power and the evil that is hidden within what is perceived to be safety.
8. Rhinoceros in Charlton
| Medium | Stencil, Spray Paint |
| Dimensions | Varies |
| Location | Charlton |
An amusing painting of a rhinoceros seemingly ‘attacking’ a car parked at Westmoor Street. This last piece was graffitied immediately but originally relied on the laugh factor.
9. Gorilla at the London Zoo
| Medium | Stencil, Spray Paint |
| Dimensions | Varies |
| Location | London Zoo |
This is the last of the artwork and shows a gorilla opening what appears to be the roof of a cage as if to free a bird and a seal. This piece ties in with the prior work of showing animals living in their habitat but has an even more apparent story of freeing themselves from captivity and is grounded in the notion of liberty versus oppression. It is a provocative image, which alludes to the background of the place and the topic of confinement that can be linked to most zoos.
Artwork Spotlight: Barcode (Signed)
Banksy’s work “Barcode” is available on Singulart. This artwork features a barcode transformed into the body of a tiger, with the animal escaping from a cage of barcode lines. This artwork is a striking commentary on consumerism and the commodification of nature, blending Banksy’s signature wit with a powerful critique of modern society.
Are you looking for a masterpiece from Banksy?
Singulart presents exclusive limited edition pieces by Banksy. To discover and acquire Banksy’s art, click on the artwork or the button below for more information!
More Information
Discover new inspiring street art in upcoming festivals by Calle Libre taking place in the very heart of Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animal does Banksy use?
Rats are one of Banksy’s biggest muses and one of the most used motifs in his murals. A reversal of the word ‘ART’ the rat is a symbolic instrument employed by Banksy to elucidate the sins of the human race.
Why is Banksy a secret?
Banksy remained anonymously in his early years for fear of facing legal action for the criminal harm caused by his street art.
Is it acceptable for street art to be removed?
The issue of removing street art and the types of art such as “Animal Series” by Banksy minimizes the societal and cultural value that the art pieces bring to society. Of course, street art by its very nature is fleeting, but their constant erasure can be a way of silencing potent statements and public discourse.
Meanwhile, some actions brought enormous attention and impact that cannot be erased by simply removing the colors on the wall or other objectives. As far as its power lies in its transience, and it is here that the momentariness of the artwork is part of its message.
Conclusion
Banksy’s “Animal Series” creatively transformed urban spaces with playful yet thought-provoking animal imagery. The series, culminating with the removal of the final gorilla piece at London Zoo, highlights the ephemeral nature of street art and its power to provoke public dialogue on art’s role in society.
